East Nashville News: Turnip Truck has a Field Day, Madeline hangs 'em up and more

This week, we’re getting stoked about more affordable natural foods, getting bummed about a really great local cafe closing, getting zen with coloring books and more.

On to this week’s East Nashville News:

Turnip Truck launches line of affordable food staples

Eating healthier food can have its challenges — particularly financial ones — but a new effort from the folks at Turnip Truck means to address that.

The East Nashville-bred natural foods grocer has launched its own Field Day brand, a “value-priced product line” (that means it’s cheaper!) of grocery staples, like olive oil and oatmeal and more, totaling 100-plus products.

“We want to give all of our neighbors access to high quality food, and this is a major step in that direction,” owner/founder John Dyke said in a release. “With these budget-friendly options, we are opening the doors wide for families and individuals who want to make the best possible choices but may have previously felt priced out of doing so.”

Field Day isn’t the Turnip Truck’s only move toward making natural foods more wallet-friendly — the stores will also be applying deep discounts to seasonal produce items too.

The goal, Dyke said: “People will be able to fill a cart at Turnip Truck at a comparable price to a big-box grocery run… Healthy eating should not be a luxury, and we are very passionate about breaking down the cost barrier.”

For the detail-oriented among us: 80-plus percent of these Field Day products are verified non-GMO, and 87 percent are certified organic.

The new, expanded Turnip Truck on our side of the river, at Woodland and 7th, is due to open in the fall.

Madeline hangs ’em up

Bummer news from the folks behind Cleveland Park’s Madeline: After a brief but praised run, the laundrocafe has abruptly closed.

“We want to thank all the wonderful people who came in and supported us over the last 5 months. Sadly, we have had to close the doors until further notice,” a Wednesday social post reads. “You are all awesome for helping us try to make Madeline work, but we just couldn't keep it together on our end.”

There is a glimmer of hope in there — from a follow-up: “We're just sick over this, and we really do hope to get something in here for you asap. You've all been wonderful coming out to support us. Couldn't ask for better neighbors.”

Personal experience: I had a blueberry goat cheesecake thing there the other day, and it might’ve been the best dessert I’ve had in my face lo these many years. So here’s to that ASAP being very S, Madeline.

Color us impressed: Camilla Spadafino’s new book

You may have heard in recent months that adult coloring books are having a moment, since, as CNN said, “stressed-out, work-addled adults … want to benefit from the quiet zen that a coloring session can bring.”

But would you like some local, artisanal zen? Look toward East Nashvillian artist Camilla Spadafino, whose new book Ms. Camilla's Neighborhood Coloring Book: Smiling and calming coloring to brighten your day and reduce stress is out now, free-trade beeswax crayons not included.

Spadafino’s book is stuffed with really cool portraits of locals and folks associated with our city, all of them beaming with smiles meant to help us quit bumming the eff out all the time. Look at the above (that’s a self-portrait) — works, don’t it?

Free community health classes at Riverside Pharmacy

By this point in the Internet’s development, we all know (at least in theory) to put down the WebMD(!!!). That said, being educated — and seeking out information — about our health remains a very good thing.

So a welcome new addition from Inglewood’s Riverside Village Pharmacy: Those folks have launched a new series of free community educational classes, starting with a focus on learning about the essentials of living with diabetes, including healthy eating, preventing complications and more.

The next hourlong class — this Saturday (June 25), 3:30 to 4:40 p.m. — will include lots of info, plus a cooking demo (recipe provided) and a diabetic-friendly snack.

Neighborhood goods: Moonshine Boot Wax

From the new-to-me department:

Got boots? Those boots dirty? Would you prefer they be shiny and presentable? Could we ask you any more questions?

Point being: Two entrepreneurial neighbors launched a locally made, small-batch boot wax called Moonshine Cowboy Boot Wax right here in East Nashville, and it’s available to “nourish your boots” all around town.

Snag yours locally at Thrive (1100 Fatherland, Suite 107), and learn more about the business at moonshinebootwax.com. Because if you’re not waxing your vintage boots with local all-natural artisanal boot wax, are you even an East Nashvillian?

- Out shopping Friday (July 24)? Lil something to brighten your day: Clothing and decor shop Sisters of Nature, at 521 Gallatin Ave #5, is doing a “Floral Friday” thing, during which shoppers will be gifted a locally grown mini bouquet with their purchase. Cute, no?

- 2616 Resale Boutique is turning 1, and their present to you: a BOGO 25 percent off sale Friday and Saturday, and refreshments while you shop on Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Boutique is located at 2616 Gallatin Pike.

- You’re not a proper Nashville cook if you don’t know how to make a transcendent biscuit, obviously. So let’s all thank Riverwood Mansion co-owner and 8 Lavender Lane Catering & Events head chef Debbie Sutton for sharing her Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.

- A big renewal is under way at Cantrell’s BBQ Pit at 829 Lischey, with a new look, new menu items and a new chef in the house. We don’t know a reopening date yet, but it’s looking like it’s imminent.

- According to our sources, Friday (July 24) is National Tequila Day. Rosepepper is celebrating, obviously: Stop by for a buck off your El Jimador tequila shots. (Thursday was National Hot Dog Day, so your belly’s having quite the week!)

That's all for this week. As always, we'd love to hear your East Nashville News tips. Send em to Nicole.